Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | G23AS00114

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the main goal of this USGS funding opportunity?

The opportunity supports research and development to improve detection and mapping of wetland vegetation in Puerto Rico. The work is intended to produce better vegetation maps and related analytical methods that strengthen habitat prediction and inform Gap Analysis work connected to conservation needs in the US Caribbean.

2) What specific conservation issue is this project intended to support?

The mapping and methods development are intended to improve habitat prediction and inform Gap Analysis related to the endangered Llanero Coqui (Eleutherodactylus juanariveroi). The broader conservation need is understanding where suitable habitat exists and how that habitat is changing, so habitat can be better managed and restored.

3) What geographic area does the project focus on?

The work focuses on Puerto Rico, with emphasis on wetlands and wetland vegetation relevant to endangered species habitat needs in the US Caribbean context.

4) Is there a particular plant species of interest for the vegetation mapping?

Yes. The opportunity calls out Sagittaria lancifolia as a wetland plant species receiving particular attention within the wetland vegetation detection and mapping effort.

5) What type of award is being offered: grant or cooperative agreement?

This is a discretionary cooperative agreement, not a standard grant. That structure indicates the US Geological Survey (USGS) is likely to have substantial involvement during project performance.

6) What does "substantial involvement" by USGS likely mean for this project?

Based on the description provided, USGS involvement may include coordination on technical direction, data standards, methods, deliverables, and/or integration of project outputs into broader USGS programs. The notice also references alignment with Gap Analysis products produced by the SAS Biogeographic Science group.

7) How does this project connect to Gap Analysis work?

The project is positioned as applied ecological mapping and methods development that feeds directly into national Gap Analysis outputs, while also addressing urgent local conservation needs in Puerto Rico.

8) Under what program framework is this opportunity issued?

The opportunity is issued under the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) framework and is specifically tied to the Great Plains CESU.

9) What is a CESU in the context of this announcement?

CESUs are collaborative partnerships designed to connect federal agencies with universities and other partner organizations to deliver research, technical assistance, and educational support.

10) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations that are official participating partners of the Great Plains CESU Program.

11) What is the opportunity number for this announcement?

The opportunity number is G23AS00114.

12) What is the CFDA number associated with this funding?

The funding is associated with CFDA number 15.808.

13) What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

14) When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on December 13, 2022.

15) What is the closing date listed for applications?

The original closing date listed is January 13, 2023.

16) What is the maximum funding amount available under this announcement?

The award ceiling is $90,000, which indicates the maximum expected federal funding level for an individual award under this announcement.

17) What kinds of outputs are expected from the work described?

The description emphasizes producing improved wetland vegetation maps and related analytical methods. These outputs are intended to improve habitat prediction and support Gap Analysis products, strengthening the scientific foundation for habitat management and restoration for the endangered Llanero Coqui.

18) Why is wetland vegetation mapping important for the Llanero Coqui?

The announcement links the frog's conservation needs to understanding where suitable habitat exists and how it is changing. Improved wetland vegetation maps and methods are described as a way to better predict habitat and support management and restoration decisions.

19) Which USGS group is referenced as part of the broader integration of outputs?

The announcement references Gap Analysis products produced by the SAS Biogeographic Science group, indicating that project deliverables may be coordinated for compatibility or integration with those products.

20) Is this opportunity described as basic research or applied work?

The project is characterized as applied ecological mapping and methods development, with direct intended use in Gap Analysis outputs and endangered species habitat management and restoration in Puerto Rico.